AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Which felt good. Damned good. The shitty thing was that I didn't have any of his sweet and smooth moves. I sucked at this flirting shit. I knew how to be real blunt, and this guy wasn't looking for me to tell him shit he already knew. So I opened my mouth and just fumbled.
"I like you," I said, feeling a wall of nervousness slam into me, making me feel like I was back in middle school. "I like that I can talk to you, even when I'm not real sure what I should say. I like that you're ok with Cody. Me and Cody, you and Cody, and just her. I dunno, Tanner. I just like how this feels, but I don't have a damned clue how to be a good boyfriend. Not to you. Not to her."
"And yet you're doing it," he promised. "So does that mean we're at the boyfriend stage?"
"Maybe?" I asked, hoping he'd try to talk me into it.
Tanner just chuckled. "Which means yes."
Ok, yeah. I liked that subtle arrogance of his even more. "Yes, boyfriends," I agreed. "'Cept I'm supposed to take you out on a date."
"Fuck," he laughed, making it clear he did not agree. "No dates for us. That's a nightmare waiting to happen. Never mind that you have your damned name plastered on your truck. No, we're not doing that."
I looked at him for a little too long, because that stung. He may have said it gently, and to him, maybe it was a joke, but not to me. I liked this guy. Shit, I liked him almost as much as I liked my girl, but he didn't want to date me? I just had to figure out why.
"You don't wanna be seen with me?" I asked.
"No, I told you this before," Tanner said gently. "J.D., I think getting outed while in the PBR is a real bad idea. I think I love my job. Pretty sure you aren't looking to lose your sponsors. So long as that stays the same, then no dates. Besides, I kinda like this."
"This?"
He nodded. "Having you all to myself, willing to talk to me, and not trying to play the PBR's bad boy while everyone fawns over you. Yeah, this."
"I used to talk to Ty like this," I told him. "I thought that dumbass was truly ok with all of it. Like, he was tryin', and I guess I kinda got my hopes up."
"He's straight," Tanner reminded me.
"Fuck, I know that," I assured him. "Don't mean I didn't want him as a Friend. Like a bro, you know? More than a friend. And I'm just..." I paused, realizing I shouldn't be talking about this. "I mean, I'm not sayin' you're like that. But I like that you're a Friend too."
"How many friends do you have?" he asked.
"Two," I said. "I used to think it was one, but Max kinda rubbed my nose in it. So yeah, Cody and my rep. I mean you, but you're kinda more too."
"Definitely a friend," Tanner promised. "The kind of friend who is going to make sure you do a whole lot more with Cody than just be her pal. I'm serious, man. If I have to, I'll spend all week in that RV with the guys, so you'd better shoot your shot with her."
"Fuck," I groaned. "I'm gonna fuck this up so bad."
"Not really," he assured me. "See, Ty just left her hurting. Having you step up, even if you're a dumbass about it? J.D., just make her feel pretty. Kiss her a little. Shit, if you think I missed the way you two were looking at each other when her phone went off? No, I saw that, and she won't forget it."
"You think she's actually into me?" I asked.
He actually laughed. "I think she's so focused on having to fight for what she wants that she's never even considered she's being chased. Yeah, I think she's into you - fuck, look at how she kissed you! - and I'm willing to bet she's the kind of girl who'll convince herself that being casual is all she'll get unless you make a fucking move." He grabbed my arm hard enough to get my full attention. "So make a move. A dumb one. A smooth one. Doesn't fucking matter. Show that girl you're in love with her - show, J.D., not say - and I think she'll make you the happiest man in the world."
"And you?" I asked.
With a smile toying on his lips, he shrugged. The look was a little mischievous. "I think I like watching you two figure it out. I'm also used to being the underdog. Gives me a chance to show off when I need it most. Besides, I already got the girl. You're the one who needs to catch up."
And that was when the water in the shower shut off, making me too chickenshit to even reply - but he was right.
Chapter53
When Cody was done,she lookedgood. Her eyes were dark, making the blue color stand out. Her hair was curled and loose. Under her black Resistol, it was sexy as sin. She'd also pulled out a new belt with all the rhinestones on it, but her chaps and vest were still in her hands.
"You ready?" I asked her.
"You're really going to hang out at the arena while I get my picture taken?" she asked, because I'd already warned her I was coming along. She just couldn't believe it.
"Cody, it's fine," I promised. "I'm also going to stop by sports med and see if those STI results are in."
